Unearthing Caribbean Roots
Genealogist & Historian Selena Carty
Genealogy Expert Selena Carty Partners with Black Cultural Archives to Reconnect Families with Their Heritage
In partnership with Black Cultural Archives (BCA), renowned genealogist and historian Selena Carty will deliver genealogy workshops designed to help individuals trace their family histories back to the Caribbean.
For years, Selena has been at the heart of documenting lost Caribbean histories, reconnecting families, and preserving the stories of Black British, Caribbean, and African ancestry. Her latest collaboration with Black Cultural Archives (BCA), the UK’s leading institution dedicated to Black British history, aims to bridge the knowledge gap for people across the diaspora eager to uncover their ancestral connections.
"Many people seek their roots by looking straight to Africa, but they overlook the complex journeys that brought their families through the Caribbean. Without understanding this part of the story, we miss key chapters in our personal histories. This initiative is about filling those gaps, making history personal, and giving people the tools to connect with their lineage," says Selena Carty.
Genealogy: A Pathway to Identity
The partnership will deliver a series of interactive genealogy workshops, both in-person and digitally, allowing individuals in Jamaica and across the diaspora to:
✅ Trace their Caribbean ancestry using historical records, oral histories, and archival documents.
✅ Learn about migration patterns between the Caribbean, UK, and Africa.
✅ Access expert resources on Windrush, the Transatlantic slave trade, and Caribbean heritage.
✅ Engage in storytelling and history-sharing initiatives that preserve family narratives for future generations.
Jamaica’s Role in the Global Black Story
Jamaica has played a pivotal role in shaping Black identities worldwide—from the Windrush Generation to the Pan-African movement led by Marcus Garvey. Selena's research has uncovered rare, never-before-seen archival documents about Garvey’s personal life, which will be published in June 2025, adding new layers to Jamaica’s rich historical legacy.
A Call to Action: Jamaica’s Media & Communities
As Selena embarks on this historic project, she is calling on Jamaican media, researchers, historians, and community leaders to join the conversation. She is available for interviews, TV appearances, and panel discussions to discuss:
- The importance of genealogy in preserving Caribbean heritage.
- How Jamaicans can access international archival resources to trace their ancestry.
- The impact of Marcus Garvey’s genealogy discoveries on Black history.
- The role of safe spaces like BCA in reshaping historical narratives.
- How Jamaican schools and youth organisations can integrate genealogy into education.
"Jamaica is not just a place—it is a global legacy. If we don't document our history, it will be written for us, and we may not like the version we get. This is an opportunity for Jamaicans to reclaim their narratives and ensure future generations know where they come from." says Carty.
Join the Movement
Jamaicans at home and abroad are invited to take part in this exciting genealogy project. Schools, community groups, and historical societies are encouraged to partner with Selena and BCA to expand the reach of these workshops.
Workshops are planned for 29 May, 26 June, 24 July, 17 August, 25 September, 23 October, 20 November, and 18 December 2025.
To schedule an interview or learn more, contact Selena Carty at selenacarty@selenacarty.com or at +44 738 738 4117